BSI and WWF launch new guidance to tackle forestry supply chain risks

Press Release - 29 November 2012

Business standards company, BSI and WWF-UK Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) have launched a new good practice guidance to support industry efforts in the responsible sourcing of forest goods and sustainable forest management.

Despite global work to promote responsible forest management and trade, the trade in wood and paper from illegal or controversial sources continues - hence the introduction of the EUTR.

Developed by consensus and through a steering group of industry experts, PAS 2021 aims to:

help organizations identify if they are affected by the new regulation and their obligations

help organizations develop and implement a due diligence system to minimize the risk of illegal timber in supply chains

describe good practices for responsible trade in timber and timber products that go beyond the minimum requirements of the Regulation

PAS 2021 will be of significance to any organization that places timber or timber products (including materials made from pulp and paper) on the EU market, or any organization that sells and buys such products already available on the EU market.

“Those organizations which use PAS 2021 will find guidance that helps them understand their legal obligations and operate good practice. The standard encourages organizations to put a microscope on their business processes to ensure they minimize the risk of illegal timber in the supply chain,” said Shirley Bailey-Wood, Director of Publishing at BSI.

Chief Executive, WWF-UK, David Nussbaum said: “This new standard builds on WWF’s collaboration with businesses in the UK to eliminate illegal and unsustainable timber and timber products from their global supply chains. A thriving legal timber market, that helps to protect the environment as well as the resources it provides, is the best way to support those investing in sustainable commodities. It will take many stakeholders to play their part to achieve this, and the PAS 2021 standard is another tool to help them do so”.

The guide is primarily intended for organizations operating in the UK but could be used by organizations operating in other EU member states.

About BSI

BSI (British Standards Institution) is a global organization that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Over a century later it continues to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping its clients drive performance, reduce risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards, many of which BSI originated. Famed for its marks of excellence including the instantly recognizable Kitemark®, BSI’s influence spans multiple sectors including aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail. With over 70,000 clients in 150 countries, BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe.